Health care in danger: the responsibilities of health-care personnel working in armed conflicts and other emergencies

A guidance document in simple language for health personnel, setting out their rights and responsibilities in conflict and other situations of violence. One surgeon who reviewed the text said: "It's what I wish I'd had in my pocket when I first went into the field as a surgeon with the ICRC." It explains how responsibilities and rights for health personnel can be derived from international humanitarian law, human rights law and medical ethics.

The document gives practical guidance on:

The protection of health personnel, the sick and the wounded

Standards of practice

The health needs of particularly vulnerable people

Health records and transmission of medical records

"Imported" health care (including military health care)

Data gathering and health personnel as witnesses to violations of international law